Lost my flock to a raccoon :(

[McChooky]

I bought 1/2" hardware cloth for a pallet coop and run built back in 21 and will forever be grateful to the members who recommended I use it.Sorry for your loss!

 

[Luv Ducks]

I bought 1/2" hardware cloth for a pallet coop and run built back in 21 and will forever be grateful to the members who recommended I use it . I have had absolutely zero losses or heartache caused by chickens killed by dogs or predators except when I was free ranging them. Sorry for your loss!

I have used zip ties to connect my hardware cloth to areas in my pens that I felt a coon might be able to get in but they do not last forever. Can you please tell me what you use to connect your hardware cloth together since it only comes in certain widths and lengths. Thanks

 

[McChooky]

I have used zip ties to connect my hardware cloth to areas in my pens that I felt a coon might be able to get in but they do not last forever. Can you please tell me what you use to connect your hardware cloth together since it only comes in certain widths and lengths. Thanks

I have wood coops and runs so I use a hammer to drive 3/4" fence staples into the 2 x 4's or a drill if I'm using screws and washers.By adding a layer of wire fencing over top of the hw cloth you'll make it much stronger

 

[McChooky]

I have used zip ties to connect my hardware cloth to areas in my pens that I felt a coon might be able to get in but they do not last forever. Can you please tell me what you use to connect your hardware cloth together since it only comes in certain widths and lengths. Thanks

If you have a hoop coop or similar coop where zip ties can be used buy the steel zip ties. Predator proofing is time consuming but can be done in stages

 

[Luv Ducks]

I have wood coops and runs so I use a hammer to drive 3/4" fence staples into the 2 x 4's or a drill if I'm using screws and washers.By adding a layer of wire fencing over top of the hw cloth you'll make it much stronger

Thanks, my pens are all metal so I have no wood to fasten it to. Just gaps to fill in with the hardware cloth. I need to find fasteners like you have on that chicken wire to fasten it to the metal bars on my pens. Thanks so much for the pictures, I really appreciated them.

 

[Luv Ducks]

If you have a hoop coop or similar coop where zip ties can be used buy the steel zip ties. Predator proofing is time consuming but can be done in stages

I had bought the metal zip ties before but had trouble with them just sliding and not tightening like they should have. I must have gotten some cheap ones or something because they would not get secure enough to make me feel safe using them. I need to find some better ones.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I'm just posting this because I've been so sad and most people I know don't seem to understand what a major loss this is. We lost ALL of our girls to a raccoon. Ten hens and one female duck... the male duck and the rooster survived. It got four the first night and I saw where it got in and sealed it well, but I underestimated the power of those animals. This is my eighth year keeping chickens and ducks and my third year with that particular run, with no issues, and I guess the cold made the raccoons desperate and crazed. I am just so, so, so deeply devastated and heartbroken. I had the most amazing flock. It was over a week ago now and I am still in disbelief. I'm not even entirely sure if my rooster is going to make it; he was injured in the attack and has been unwell, but he's on antibiotics and being hand fed and I'm praying for a miracle because I cannot handle losing him too. I don't even know why I'm posting this, except that in this community people will probably actually understand what I'm going through. Thanks for reading <3

We’ve all been here, but wow, almost an entire flock?………………… I recently lost a bluebell that I was going to use for a breeding project. I can’t imagine if I’d lost them all………………